Aster Prince

Common Name:
Calico Aster 'Prince'

Description:
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum 'Prince', formerly known as Aster lateriflorus 'Prince', is a distinctive herbaceous perennial celebrated for its dark, smoky purple foliage and profusion of small, daisy-like flowers. From late summer into autumn, its arching branches are adorned with masses of white blooms featuring violet to raspberry-red centres, creating a striking contrast against the dark leaves. This compact, clump-forming plant maintains a tidy, upright habit, making it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings. In Melbourne's temperate climate, 'Prince' thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade. Its late-season flowering provides valuable nectar for pollinators when many other plants have finished blooming. Additionally, its resistance to common pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, ensures reliable performance with minimal maintenance. Regular pruning in early summer can promote bushier growth and enhance flowering.

Form:

• Shrub - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Width: 60–90 cm

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• White with Violet to Raspberry-Red Centres

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Bee Attracting

• Bird Attracting

• Butterfly Attracting

• Perennial

• Drought Tolerant (once established)

• Deer Resistant

• Rabbit Resistant

• Suitable for Cut Flowers

• Low Maintenance

• Not Prone to Mildew

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or pets. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Companion Plants:

• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)

• Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.)

• Sedum (Sedum spp.)

• Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)